Ministry of Awqaf tightens rules for charitable activities in mosques
Engineer Badr Al-Otaibi instructed imams and muezzins not to allow charitable associations and groups to conduct any activities in mosques without first presenting their personal identification.
• The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs requires imams and muezzins to provide a final approval letter from the Ministry of Social Affairs for mosque activities, valid for a maximum of six months. If the activity ends, the responsible association will be suspended until it renews its approval.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has strengthened regulations on the activities of associations and charitable mosques, prohibiting any advocacy, cultural, or charitable activities from taking place without final approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs, according to Al Rai newspaper.
Engineer Badr Al-Otaibi, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Mosque Sector in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, instructed imams and muezzins not to allow charitable associations and groups to conduct any activities (such as Holy Quran memorization workshops or cultural events) in mosques without first presenting their personal identification.
The circular stipulated that they must also provide the final approval letter from the Ministry of Social Affairs for the activity’s establishment in the mosque, specifying a maximum duration of six months. If the activity concludes, the association responsible will be suspended until it renews its approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
It also prohibited imams and muezzins from “establishing any activity without first addressing the office of the Assistant Undersecretary of the Mosque Sector,” noting that the administration will not accept any letters or requests submitted by charitable associations and mediators regarding the establishment of activities.
